Rare iguana perishes in Mystic Aquarium fire

Mystic — A fire at Mystic Aquarium early Sunday claimed the life of a rare iguana, fire officials say.

The fire was contained to a 6-by-6 foot exhibit housing the iguana, located behind the reception area of the aquarium’s main building. When the Old Mystic Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at 6:05 a.m., firefighters encountered smoke in the building and found a sprinkler head that had activated above the reptile exhibit, according to Chief Kenneth Richards.

Richards said the sprinkler helped contain the fire to the one room and firefighters used a small pressurized water tank to extinguish the fire.

Firefighters also spent several hours working with aquarium staff to clean up the water. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Old Mystic Fire Marshal and an investigator hired by the aquarium’s insurance company, Richards said.

A representative from the aquarium could not be reached for comment. The aquarium’s website lists the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana as one of their featured species.